Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Dog Pillows

When it comes to your dog's comfort and happiness, there are lots of ways to pamper them. From dog beds to treats, the options are endless. But there’s one comfort-driven option that may top the list: dog pillows.

But how do you choose the right pet pillow? What are they made of, and why do some of them have a funky smell? We've got all the answers you've been craving. Here’s everything you’ve ever wanted to know about dog pillows.

What Are Dog Pillows?

Dog pillows go by many names, like pillows, crate pads, dog beds, and thrones. So are dog pillows the same as dog beds? Well, the answer to that is yes and no.

Dog beds are more filled with stuffing, technically. They've got more material inside, and some may even be lifted off the ground for larger dogs. This helps keep them cooler.

Dog pillows, on the other hand, while very comfortable, aren't necessarily as thick and fluffy. This makes it easier to travel with, and can quickly become your pup's favorite comfort item if they're prone to experiencing anxiety.

So what exactly is a dog pillow? As the name implies, it's a pillow designed for your pup to lounge on after a hard day of chasing balls and reminding the local feline of who exactly is king of yard.

Dog pillows can also come in many shapes and sizes. They can be round, rectangular, and even donut-shaped.

Most don't come with high sounds to climb in and out of, which could make it ideal for older dogs who just want to crash when it's time to take a nap. This also allows dogs to spread out in all directions.

Donut pillows, on the other hand, could be perfect for dogs who like to nest. It allows them to dig around a little. And who wouldn't want to dive face-first into a pillow with round sides that keep you from crashing and burning?

What Are Dog Pillows Made Of?

That's the million-dollar question for many dog owners. As we learn more about how to take care of our four-legged friends, it becomes increasingly clear that the materials we expose them to are just as important as the food we feed them.

Dog pillows are no exception, which is why it's good to know what they're filled with before you buy.

For many dog beds, it's polyfill. This is the same sort of material that is used in your own pillow. It's soft and very fluffy. Or it is when it's new, that is. As the pillow begins to age, it begins to flatten out, and no amount of pounding is going to get it back to that fluffilicious state that it had when you first bought it for your pup.

Another type of material in dog pillows, and arguably the best, is memory foam. This will mold to your dog's specific shape, giving them superior support. It's excellent for dogs who have joint problems or are getting some gray in their whiskers.

This is also the sort of dog pillow which might have that funky smell we mentioned before. According to Hullo, this could be caused by chemicals used to manufacture the memory foam, hence the strange chemical smell. Not all memory foam has this smell, so it's better to research the type of foam used to make sure it's high quality.

Another type of material used in dog pillows is air, although this isn't as common. It makes the ideal travel pillow, as you can get it wet with no harm done to the pillow, and it's easy to take along as you travel.

Finally, some dog pillows have egg-crate foam inside. Just as the name implies, it's foam that looks like it was molded using an egg carton.

How to Choose the Right Dog Pillow

The market is overwhelmed with dog pillows, so how do you know what's right for your pooch? Here are a few questions to take into consideration before making your purchase.

• Do you need a large dog pillow or a small one?
• What is the filling made of?
• Is it soft?
• Would you use it yourself?
• How supportive is it?
• Does it have any certifications?
• Is this something that will last, or will you need to buy a new one in a year's time?
• Where is the bed manufactured?
• Is it easy to keep clean?
• Do other customers love it, or do they regret buying it?

A chat with your vet could also help determine what your pup needs. Some dogs with health problems may want something with more support, while other dogs will just be happy that you thought about them.

Another consideration is how it fits in with your home's decor.

FAQs

Do dogs need pillows and blankets?

Why give a dog its own pillow and blanket when they can just share yours? While that may or not be OK, depending on whether you let your pup sleep in the bed with you, the AKC thinks it's important for a dog to have their own.

Dog pillows and blankets are something that belongs personally to your dog, which is important, especially when you aren't there. It's also good for aging joints and promotes a good night's sleep.

Do dogs like pillows like humans?

Absolutely! Who wouldn't like an object that's soft, cozy, and gets you off the cold, hard ground? Your own pillow is obviously the best choice, but if you're not willing to share, then their own personal pillow will do in a pinch.

Should I get a dog pillow or a dog bed?

This is really up to you. A chat with your vet could clear things up, especially if your dog is having health problems. A dog bed will provide more support for tired, achy joints, especially if it's an orthopedic bed.

On the other hand, a dog pillow is often easier to toss in the car for travel, and younger pups may be just as pleased with a dog pillow as they are with a dog bed.

More often than not, the names are interchangeable, so if you look up a dog bed, you'll probably see both dog beds and dog pillows pop up in your search.